Update 12/31/15 7pm: A viewer on Lopez Island has reported seeing green tones using their camera. It may be a little premature to start heading out … or not.
Original Story:
The last forecasts have been a bust and this could be too but …
The much expected collision with the magnetic mess that a solar flare on the sun aimed at the earth happened about 5pm yesterday, December 30. Everyone watching such things were hoping for geomagnetic storm that would enable people as far south as Oregon to view the Aurora Borealis (aka Northern Lights). But alas, the best opportunity came about 4am and it revealed only the slightest glow of color on the horizon and that was if you were at least in the most northern reaches of Washington State.
Soured on the whole experience, many would be quick to swear off trying to catch a glimpse from our vantage points around Ferndale. But the chatter has begun again as the graphical forecast shows a much more exciting aurora visibility already happening. And the clear skies, such a rarity this time of year, have to be taken advantage of.
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Click for more informationSo, if you are going to be out and about celebrating New Years anyway, keep an eye on the Northeastern sky. You never know what you may see. Best times are usually midnight and later.
TIP: Cameras see more than the naked eye. Take a picture to see if there’s anything to look for. Give your eyes plenty of time to adjust to the dark sky especially if you’ve been looking at your phone’s lighted screen.
Here’s the link to the 30-minute forecast to help you decide if and when you want to brave the cold.